Nebraska health officials on Tuesday said local health departments continue to investigate a gastrointestinal illness outbreak caused by a rare parasite called Cyclospora.

Advertisement

There are currently 53 cases statewide concentrated mostly in the eastern part of the state, according to the state health department. Iowa has reported 81 cases of cyclosporiasis spread across 25 counties.

Of those cases, three people have been hospitalized and were released. But reports of new cases come in daily.

Fresh vegetables and fruit are usually associated with Cyclospora outbreaks. People become sick when they consume food contaminated with the parasite.

Based on interviews with those affected, vegetables appear to be the cause of the outbreak. The timing suggests that the contaminated food source may have already worked its way through the system because of fresh produce's limited shelf life.

Symptoms of Cyclospora include diarrhea that can last weeks to months, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, intestinal gas, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and low-grade fever. People experiencing symptoms should see a physician for diagnosis and treatment.